Definitions of Terms

Objective: a mechanism to reach the goal (ex. identify the extent of non-native species intrusion; identify specific actions to reverse that trend; monitor to determine whether actions were effective)

Action: something that has been or will be done about a clearly defined problem (ex. implement a proposed monitoring program; implement a non-native plant irradiation program)

Issue: an identified concern with no clear definition of the problem to be solved (needs more work before an objective can be proposed and action taken, or even needed)

Priority: an objective, action or issue of relatively greater importance than some other objective, action or issue; may be divided into more immediate versus long-term activities based on whether they're dependent on other actions taking place first (ex. an inventory of native species in needed before an approach to preserving native biodiversity can be developed)

Natural Resources:

Goal: Restore and preserve native biodiversity and the natural processes that support it.

Goal : Create a master database (or system) and a mechanism for sharing information gathered by federal, state and local agencies in regards to resource inventory.

Objective: Determine impacts of exotic plants and animals on the Creek and entire watershed.
Action: Develop an approach for evaluating impacts from exotic species, use existing data and /or acquire more info.

Other actions and issues:
- develop focused biological and chemical monitoring program to learn more about water quality in creek
- impacts of poor water quality on recreation (beach and state park)
- hazardous waste disposal (oil, paint, etc.)

Comments from 27 February 1999:

Action: Remove all illegal gray water systems that allow discharge to any surface. check septic systems that bleed out.

How many people will loose their house? What are the impacts of putting in a new system? Grey water system can be good!

Action: Allow alternative septic systems designs. (I second this!)

Action: Put pressure on LA County by demonstrating that alternative systems are working well - in Malibu for example. (I third this!)
Then what? Gray water goes to septic system through then that system fails?

Do not over - regulate.

Need solutions to these problems before assessment and penalty.

Assess and recommend environmentally preferable detergents and other products for alternative greywater systems.
Gray water can be best system for watering garden, especially in drought, etc.

Good graywater system is important!

Keep government out of this at all cost! Right!

Address sediment (silt issue as a result of clearing and root disruption).

Gray water is filterable and recyclable.

What happens when septic systems become saturated? (Get them pumped out!)

Is a sewer system viable, assuming major development is no longer a threat? (as Rosi said). (It isn't!)

Develop and provide low cost gray water recycle system using new technology.

Comments from 27 February 1999:

Provide economic assistance to homeowners to upgrade old septics and greywaters to non polluting alternative varieties.

Support bond acts and other funding for acquisition, support of parks.

Rosi's work on Old Topanga Canyon projects is an excellent example of what needs to be advertised/disseminate throughout all of LA City for eg. we lose trees, flatlanders gain dirty air!

Area needs to secede from LA County to ally with S.F. Valley and Malibu to form its own county to Ventura County Line.

should we open the can of worms of corruption of officials in Building and Safety? ( and other relevant agencies?)...those with enough $ can buy permits, easements, exceptions, waivers?

Advertise website and use for input.

Protect creekside dwellers from "clouds" on title, unrealistic rebuilding - if house burns down, will it be mandatory to rebuild on piers or other outrageous building restrictions be imposed? Will mortgage lenders shy away from houses near creek? All residents need to protect each other.

Education and Outreach

Goal: To promote greater awareness and understanding on the complex relationships between humans and the watershed so as to preserve native biodiversity and natural processes.

Comments from 27 February 1999:

Provide information to new buyers about landscaping with native plants and protecting native habitat available through Realtors, brochures, etc.

Article in news whenever possible

Stakeholders include people of CA and beyond since biodiversity threatened species and viewshed are issues.

Let citizens of LA County know that events/proposals in the Santa Monica Mountains/Topanga affect the health of the local ocean waters and their ability to utilize for recreation, fishing, etc. in good health.